Question 1

According to which theoretical perspective do social roles remain relatively unchanged as people age?

Accepted Answer

B

Question 2

The functionalist perspective maintains that

Accepted Answer

The functionalist perspective emphasizes the importance of social roles and institutions in maintaining social stability. One way in which elderly people can contribute to this stability is by passing on social roles and values to younger generations. This ensures the continuation of important social functions and norms.

Question 3

Which sociologists were responsible for developing the disengagement theory?

Accepted Answer

Elaine Cumming and William Henry developed the disengagement theory in the 1960s, which suggests that an individual in old age will naturally withdraw from society and disengage from social roles and responsibilities.

Question 4

In analyzing the elderly as a minority,one crucial difference between older people and other subordinate groups is that

Accepted Answer

The answer of In analyzing the elderly as a minority,one...

Question 5

What age do people have to be in order for writers to commonly refer to them as "young old"?

Accepted Answer

The term "young old" generally refers to individuals who are between the ages of 60 and 74.

Question 6

Activity theory is a(an)

Accepted Answer

Activity theory is an interactionist theory of aging, which argues that elderly people who remain active and involved in social and productive activities will be best-adjusted and experience a higher quality of life. This theory emphasizes the importance of maintaining social roles and responsibilities in order to maintain well-being and independence as individuals age.

Question 7

According to which theoretical perspective is old age a time when people are victimized and their social roles devalued?

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective views society as a battleground between groups competing for scarce resources. In this perspective, old age is seen as a time when people are victimized and their social roles devalued. Older adults may be discriminated against in employment, housing, and healthcare. The conflict perspective highlights the structural and systemic inequalities that exist in society, particularly for marginalized groups like older adults.

Question 8

Which of the following is correct regarding age?

Accepted Answer

Age is considered a socially constructed ascribed status as it is assigned to a person based on their date of birth and is not something they achieve through effort or ability.

Question 9

From available statistics,which country is considered "the oldest" compared to the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

Japan has the highest percentage of elderly citizens (over 65 years old) in the world, accounting for nearly 28% of their population. This is compared to the United States, which has around 16% of their population over the age of 65.

Question 10

A salesperson in his mid sixties is told by his peers,his family,and his boss that it is about time to retire and reap the fruits of his longtime career and his well-endowed pension fund.He eventually gives in to their persistent pressure.This is consistent with

Accepted Answer

The situation described aligns with the disengagement theory, which suggests that as people age, it is natural and appropriate for them to withdraw from society and disengage from work. This theory suggests that retirement is a natural and desirable part of aging, and that individuals benefit from reducing their involvement in the work world and other social spheres as they age. The pressure from his peers, family, and boss is consistent with the social norms associated with disengagement theory.

Question 11

Disengagement theory is a

Accepted Answer

The answer of Disengagement theory is a
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Question 12

The elderly are categorized as a subordinate group or minority because

Accepted Answer

The elderly are considered a minority or subordinate group because all of the options listed are true. Membership in the group is often involuntary, older Americans may experience unequal treatment in employment and face prejudice and discrimination, and there is a sense of group solidarity among older citizens.

Question 13

Activity theory is associated with which sociological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Activity theory is associated with the interactionist perspective, which emphasizes the importance of social interaction and shared meanings in shaping human behavior and experiences. This perspective views society as the product of the everyday interactions between individuals and the struggle to create and maintain shared meanings and understandings. Activity theory focuses on how people engage in various activities to achieve their goals and how these activities shape their identities and relationships with others.

Question 14

Which sociological perspective notes that among those elderly who decline in their mental capacities,deterioration is most rapid in old people who withdraw from social relationships and activities?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which sociological perspective notes that among those...

Question 15

Which sociological approach would most likely view old age as a "master status" that has consequences for how the elderly are treated in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Labeling theory states that society categorizes individuals based on their perceived characteristics, which can become a master status that influences how they are treated. Old age is often viewed as a master status in the United States, and the elderly may be treated differently because of age-based stereotypes and assumptions. Disengagement theory and activity theory focus on how individuals themselves approach aging, while the functionalist perspective looks at how different parts of society work together to maintain social order.

Question 16

Which sociological perspective criticizes both disengagement theory and activity theory for failing to consider the impact of social structure on patterns of aging?

Accepted Answer

The conflict perspective criticizes both disengagement theory and activity theory for failing to consider the impact of social structure on patterns of aging. This perspective argues that those who have more power and resources in society are able to age more successfully and maintain their status, while those with less power and resources are more likely to experience negative outcomes associated with aging.

Question 17

Marilyn,who has worked as a research scientist for 40 years,voluntarily retires at 64 years of age.However,she is in good health and spends most of her time hiking,doing volunteer work at a local hospital,and dating many of the eligible men in her community.Marilyn's behavior reflects which sociological theory?

Accepted Answer

Marilyn's behavior demonstrates the activity theory, which suggests that elderly individuals who remain active and engaged in social and productive activities are the most satisfied with their lives. Marilyn's hiking, volunteer work, and dating are all examples of remaining active and engaged in different areas of her life. Disengagement theory, on the other hand, proposes that elderly individuals purposely withdraw from society and become less involved as they age. Marilyn's behavior contradicts this theory.

Question 18

The elderly exhibit traits of a minority group,including the fact that

Accepted Answer

The elderly often become a minority group involuntarily because of their age. Aging is a natural process that happens to almost every human being if they live long enough. Additionally, people often view the elderly as a distinct group from the rest of the population due to their unique experiences, health concerns, and social status. Therefore, the elderly often share the traits of a minority group in this sense.

Question 19

In many developing countries,the traditionally high status of the elderly has been undercut by

Accepted Answer

Modernization, which involves the adoption of Western values and practices, has led to a shift in cultural norms regarding the role of the elderly in many developing countries. As traditional extended family systems are replaced by nuclear families, and as more people move away from rural areas to urban centers, the elderly are often left without the support and respect they once enjoyed. This trend has been documented in various studies of aging in developing countries. World systems theory and pay equity are not directly related to the decline in respect for the elderly, and gerontology is the study of aging rather than a cause of it.

Question 20

Gerontology is

Accepted Answer

Gerontology is the scientific study of aging and the problems faced by older individuals from sociological, psychological, and physiological perspectives. It does not have anything to do with ruling or worshiping the elderly, and it is not a religion formed in Florida.

Quiz 12: Stratification by Age